TL;DR: The best lighting for a billiards or pool table room in Australia is a single dimmable linear pendant hung low along the length of the table, paired with separate ambient room light. Position the linear base about 80-90cm above the playing surface, span roughly two-thirds of the table length, and use a neutral 4000K output so ball and cloth colours read true. Hardwired installation must be completed by a licensed electrician (AS/NZS 3000).
Key takeaways
- A low-hung linear pendant that follows the table gives even, glare-free light across the whole playing surface with no shadows on the cloth.
- Hang the base of the fixture about 80-90cm above the pool table surface and span it across roughly two-thirds of the table length.
- Neutral 4000K keeps ball and cloth colours accurate for play, while warmer ambient light around the room stops the space feeling like a dark tunnel.
- A single linear bar, a walnut timber bar, multiple spaced pendants, or a characterful chandelier for ambient light each suit a different games-room style.
- All hardwired work is completed by a licensed electrician (AS/NZS 3000); no DIY wiring.
On this page: Best lighting for a pool table room · Hanging height · Fixture length · Colour temperature · Ambient room light · Linear vs multiple pendants · FAQs
What is the best lighting for a billiards or pool table room in Australia?
The best lighting for a billiards or pool table room in Australia is a single dimmable linear pendant hung low over the centre line of the table, supported by separate ambient light for the rest of the room.
A pool table is long and narrow, so the light source should match that shape. A linear bar runs parallel with the rails and pushes even light down the full length of the cloth. This removes the pooled hotspots and dark corners you get from a single central downlight. Traditional billiard lights have long, low-slung shades for exactly this reason, and a modern linear pendant achieves the same coverage with a cleaner profile.
Our recommended answer is the Modern Linear LED Pendant Light, a dimmable bar that lights the whole surface evenly with no shadows across the cloth. Dimming lets you drop the room for ambience between frames and lift it for serious play.
How high should a pool table light hang?
Hang the base of the pendant about 80-90cm above the pool table surface, so light covers the cloth evenly without shining into players' eyes as they line up a shot.
Too high and the light spreads thin and casts shadows from the rails; too low and it blocks sightlines and creates glare. The 80-90cm band is measured from the top of the playing surface to the underside of the fixture, not from the floor.
Because a games room is a fixed setup, the drop can be set once at install. A licensed electrician sets the final suspension height and secures the fixture to the ceiling structure.
How long should the light be over a pool table?
Choose a linear fixture that spans roughly two-thirds of the table length, so the light reaches both ends of the playing surface without overhanging the rails.
Common Australian pool tables run from 7ft through to 9ft, so a bar in the 1.1m to 1.6m range suits most home setups. Measure the length of the playing surface, not the outer cabinet, then take roughly two-thirds of that figure as your target fixture length. The Minimalist Walnut Wood Linear Pendant (110cm) is a warm timber option for a games room that leans relaxed and natural.
What if you prefer separate fittings?
If you would rather use two or three spaced pendants than a single bar, the Modern Kitchen Island Pendants can be spaced evenly along the table line. Even spacing keeps the coverage consistent from end to end.
What colour temperature is best for a billiards room?
Use a neutral 4000K output over the table so the colours of the balls and cloth read true, which matters when you are reading angles and telling similar colours apart.
Warmer 2700-3000K light looks cosy but can wash out colour accuracy on the table. Cooler light above 5000K reads clinical and harsh for a relaxed room. Neutral 4000K sits in the middle and is the practical choice for the playing surface. A higher colour rendering index also helps the reds, yellows and browns of a ball set stay distinct under the light.
Many LED fixtures are dimmable, which lets you keep bright 4000K light for play and dim down for atmosphere afterwards.
Should you add ambient light in a games room?
Yes, add separate ambient light around the room so the space is not a bright table floating in darkness, which is tiring on the eyes and leaves the rest of the room unusable.
Layering the low table light with wall or ceiling ambient fittings balances the contrast between the lit surface and the surrounds. A dimmable ambient layer also lets the room double as a lounge or bar.
For that ambient layer, a characterful piece like the Rustic Industrial 6-Light Candle Chandelier suits a games room or man cave. For more on layering a rec space, see our guide to lighting a rumpus or games room.
Linear bar vs multiple pendants: which is better?
A single linear bar gives the most even, shadow-free coverage over a pool table, while multiple spaced pendants suit players who want a more decorative, broken-up look.
The table below compares the fixture styles for a billiards or pool table room.
| Fixture | Best for | Coverage | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single linear LED bar | Even, glare-free play light | Full table length | Modern, minimal |
| Walnut timber linear (110cm) | Relaxed, natural games rooms | Full table length | Warm, organic |
| Two to three spaced pendants | Decorative, separated fittings | Depends on spacing | Flexible |
| Industrial candle chandelier | Ambient room light, not the table | Room-wide | Characterful, rustic |
Whichever you choose, browse the full pendant lights collection to match the drop and finish to your room. For guidance on the drop height, our note on how low to hang a pendant translates directly to a pool table.
Ready to light your table? The dimmable Modern Linear LED Pendant Light is our recommended starting point for even, glare-free play, and you can compare it against the rest of the pendant lights collection to suit your games room style and ceiling.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a pool table light be?
Hang the base of the pendant about 80-90cm above the playing surface. This covers the cloth evenly without glare in players' eyes or shadows from the rails.
What size light do I need over a pool table?
Choose a fixture spanning roughly two-thirds of the table length. For most home tables this means a linear bar in the 1.1m to 1.6m range.
What colour light is best for billiards?
Neutral 4000K is the practical choice, as it keeps ball and cloth colours accurate. Warmer light suits ambient layers around the room rather than the table itself.
Can I install a pool table light myself?
No. All hardwired lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician working to AS/NZS 3000. This covers the wiring, suspension height and secure fixing.
Written by William Walker.